Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

Dioscorea Villose

DIOSCOREACEAE

yam, wild yam root, colic root, China root, devil’s bones, dioscorea, rheumatismroot

In spite of the name yam, this plant is not of the same family as our edible sweet potato or yam, which is found in the family of the morning glories. There are, to be sure, certain resemblances, such as heart-shaped leaves, a climbing habit, and underground tubers, but there is no close botanical relationship. An herbaceous plant found in thickets, open woods, and in damp soils, dioscorea grows in the United States west to Kansas. It is collected commercially in the herb-gathering sections of the southland.

For medicinal use, the branched and crooked roots are dug in autumn, dried, and powdered. A decoction is prepared by adding 1 ounce to 1 pint of water. A dose is half of the mixture, since it acts readily. Reportedly, the roots lose their potency after a year and new roots should be gathered annually.

The wild yam root is not an official medicine, but its principal reputation is as a cure for bilious colic and as. a diuretic and expectorant. In addition to these values, Jacobs’ Index of Plants says that it is also for:

… spasms, cramps, flatulence, after-pains, and affections of the liver. The roots and rhizomes are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, uterine tonic, expectorant, antirheumatic, intestinal stimulant, and emetic. It is also a remedy for intestinal irritations. It has proved to be a valuable remedy for cholera-morbus, spasm of the diaphragm, spasmodic asthma, dysmenorrhoea and kindred afflictions.

Grieve’s Herbal further says that it is especially valuable for the nausea of pregnant women and for cases of spasmodic hiccough.